Flag Hill Distillery: JOSIAH BARTLETT BARREL AGED APPLE BRANDY

Apples First: Apple Brandy was a natural progression following our vodka, which is also made from apples. The beginning process of creating of vodka and the brandy is the same. New Hampshire apples are crushed and delivered from Apple Hill Farm in Concord, NH. We ferment the apples to create a crude apple wine which will then be distilled. While the apple distillate must be distilled to near 100% alcohol before continuing its process to become vodka, the distillate for the brandy is processed to no more than 40% alcohol (or 80 proof) before it continues its journey.

Barrels Next: Local apples from Apple Hill Farm in Concord, NH are pressed into fresh, unpasteurized cider that is fermented here at the distillery with the addition of yeast and warmth in a 2,500 gallon stainless steel tanks. To make any type of spirit, a high-starch or high-sugar source is needed. Liquids, such as cider can be the base, or a "mash" of crushed fruit. Once the cider or mash has reached approximately 8% alcohol (which takes a week or so depending on the air temperature) it is ready to be distilled. The cider or mash is then transferred into our handcrafted copper pot still. Following its time in the still, the brandy (which is clear as water at this point) will be distributed into American oak barrels for a period of 3-4 years. Along with brilliant amber color, the barrels will lend various flavor attributes to the brandy.

The Man Behind the Brandy: Josiah Bartlett’s distinctions in NH history were widespread; patriot, doctor and legislator. He was born in Amesbury, MA however the majority of his life and his family home were in Kingston, NH. His illustrious career began at the tender age of 16 as he began his studies in medicine. He became a well known and respected doctor in the area and was most well known for his cure of disease known as throat distemper, which spread quickly like the plaque and was almost always fatal to children under the age of ten. His innovative use of Peruvian bark on his own child to rid the sickness earned him much fame. It was during his years as a doctor in Kingston that he himself took ill with a fever that threatened his life; so much so that other colleagues thought he would be dead before another day and night passed. With much insistence, Josiah urged his caretakers to bring him cool cider (stored in barrels in those days). The notion was against all known theories of the time for healing such afflictions, and with much distress (as they feared it might kill him) they complied with his requests. In less than two days time his friends and family were amazed and overjoyed at his remarkable recovery. In his other capacity as a legislator within the state of NH, Josiah Bartlett held many official titles. His most known being delegate to the Continental Congress and Governor of NH. While many may associate his name with the now famous reference to the show The West Wing, many may not know that in both positions Josiah Bartlett made some very famous “firsts”. As a member of the Continental Congress during the time that the Declaration of Independence was being framed, Josiah Bartlett (being a delegate from the northernmost colony) was the first to vote in favor of the Declaration of Independence. He was also the first NH delegate to the sign the document, preceded only by John Hancock (as he was the President of the Continental Congress at the time). Towards the end of his legislative career, Josiah was chosen as the President of NH, however during his term the official title of the person in his position within the state was changed to Governor, making him the first person to bear the title of the Governor of NH.

Why isn't it Calvados?: For the brandy connoisseurs ... you are correct, our product is in its essence a Calvados style product. However just like sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it is produced in Champagne, France ... barrel aged apple brandy can only be called Calvados if it is from Calvados, France.